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| Yum! Brands has announced the launch of executive education programs with the University of Louisville for operations leaders aspiring for senior management roles in franchise organizations. Part of Yum!’s $100 million Unlocking Opportunity initiative, the “Accelerating Growth” tracks will debut in summer and fall 2024. They include a six-month Level 1 program for general managers and a one-year advanced program for vice presidents aspiring to lead franchise organizations. Enrollment at the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence has surpassed 900 students since its inception, catering to undergraduates, graduates and executive education participants. |
| Over 800 kids participated in the ninth KFC Mini-Cricket Provincial festival in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. KFC South Africa’s Marketing Manager Andra Nel emphasized the program’s role in empowering children to achieve their dreams. “As we kick-start the second half of the KFC-Mini-Cricket season, we remain committed to our core intention of leveling the playing field for all kids. KFC Mini-Cricket is more than a game for our kids and their families, it’s an opportunity for our kids to become their best selves and turn their wildest dreams into reality. We look forward to seeing even more KFC Mini-Cricket kids participating and thriving in the remaining festivals across the country.” |
| Spence Sicotte, a spokesperson for The Habit Burger, and John Conte, General Manager of the new Lexington location, appeared on Good Morning Columbia to talk about the new Habit Burger location in Lexington and highlight what makes the brand special. They also prepared the chain’s famous Charbugers for the hosts to try. |
| Yum! Brands helps restaurant team members weather storms |
From Mozambique to Mexico, Yum! responded to 11 natural disasters last year, including Cyclone Freddy, Hurricane Otis, wildfires in Hawaii and the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Turkey and Syria. When these events occur, Yum! and its franchisees direct their team members to apply for emergency relief online, leading to immediate response grants if approved
Learn more about the Yum! Foundation’s global Disaster Relief Fund on Yum!Now. |
| McDonald’s CEO has cited affordability concerns after missed sales targets in 2023. The Big Mac’s price has nearly doubled since 1996, and customers have been complaining about “$8 chicken sandwiches and $3 hash browns.” “I think what you’re going to see as you head into 2024 is probably more attention to what I would describe as affordability,” Kempczinski said in the earnings call. “The battleground is certainly with that low-income consumer,” Kempczinski said. |
| Restaurant Brands International exceeded analyst expectations with fourth-quarter revenue of $1.82 billion and earnings per share of 75 cents. Same-store sales rose 5.8%, surpassing estimates. Despite challenges like the Middle East conflict and softer consumer spending, digital sales surged 20%, comprising over a third of total sales. Initiatives included free coffee for Tim Hortons loyalty members and Burger King’s remodeling efforts. Comparable sales at Burger King’s U.S. and Canada segment increased 6.4%. |
| El Pollo Loco has appointed Liz Williams, a Yum! Brands veteran, as its new CEO, succeeding Larry Roberts. With nearly 500 locations across seven states, El Pollo Loco reported $120.4 million in revenue in the third quarter. Williams aims to capitalize on growth opportunities, emphasizing the brand’s potential expansion beyond its West Coast roots. Williams aims to accelerate brand growth, leveraging her experience in food and beverage brands to drive performance. |
| Sonic has introduced a limited-time Chocolate Covered Strawberry Shake for Valentine’s Day, featured in the “Reba’s Sweetheart Meal,” named after country singer Reba McEntire’s favorite order. The shake combines vanilla soft serve, strawberries, chocolate flakes and chocolate whipped topping. The meal includes a Sonic Cheeseburger, medium Tots or fries and a medium Chocolate Covered Strawberry Shake. |
| January’s Consumer Price Index revealed persistent inflation, with prices rising 3.1% year-over- year, slightly above expectations. Shelter costs drove a 0.3% month-over-month increase. Food prices rose 0.4% in January, with restaurant prices up 5.1% year-over-year, outpacing grocery costs, which increased by 1.2%. This marks the 11th consecutive month of restaurant prices exceeding grocery prices, impacting same-store sales in the restaurant industry. |
| The restaurant industry has significantly increased productivity over the past four years, with sales-per-worker up by 38%. Factors contributing to this include menu price inflation, increased off-premises sales and investments in technology and efficiency. Restaurants have embraced automation, from simple solutions like ice machines to complex AI-driven systems and robotics. However, most of these innovations augment rather than replace human labor. |
| Sarah King, Senior Vice President and Chief People & Diversity Officer at Darden, highlighted how she embraces her unconventional career path without a college degree. She actively participates in organizations like the Women’s Foodservice Forum (WFF), aiming to foster inclusivity in the workforce. As the newly appointed chair of WFF, King prioritizes generational diversity, awareness of diversity’s business value and leadership buy-in for inclusive workplace cultures. |
| Golden Chick’s holiday charity campaign raised $190,584 for teachers and 300 schools, marking its largest philanthropic effort yet. Donating proceeds from State Fair Mini Funnel Cakes sales, the initiative supports schools in Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. CEO Mark Parmerlee praised customer loyalty and emphasized the impact on local communities. CMO Howard Terry highlighted team enthusiasm and the campaign’s success in strengthening bonds within the Golden Chick family. |
| The California Fast Food Workers Union, backed by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), is a pioneering nontraditional union aimed at advocating for social and economic justice in the fast-food industry. Operating as a minority union, it is not formally recognized by the National Labor Relations Board but offers support and advocacy to voluntarily joining members. Formed amidst state legislation raising the minimum wage to $20 an hour, the union seeks to provide a voice for workers in wage and standard advocacy. While praised by supporters, critics argue it lacks federal recognition and could hinder industry progress. |
| Etta Collective LLC, the parent company of the Etta restaurant concept, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, following the closure of several locations including one in Chicago and one in Los Angeles. The bankruptcy filing encompasses affiliated businesses like Aya Bakery and other Etta units. |
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